PARLIAMENTARY ”INDEPENDENCE."

Poverty Bay Standard, Volume III, Issue 417, 7 October 1876, Page 2

PARLIAMENTARY ”INDEPENDENCE."

Thb following is a sample of what the Government require of independent members; the italics are our own : — DISQUALIFICATION BILL. Mr. Montgomery, in moving the second reading of this Bill, said there was a growing feeling throughout the country in favour of such a measure. It must have been noticed that during the elections it had been said by many people that candidates frequently sought to be elected hoping to get a “ billet.” This frequently operated to the prejudice of very worthy men, who did not intend to make use of their position as members to secure such advantages. At the same time, the feeling was very strong in the minds of the electors, and he thought there had been reason for the feeling, because it was a fact that members m former Parliaments had been rewarded for their support to the Government by getting situations afterwards. The sooner that feeling was removed from the minds of the people the better, so that, when a man stood forward as a candidate for election, it would be known that his motive was to serve the country, and not to get something for himself. One member of the last Parliament, iu particular, had got a situation for his unwavering support of the Government ; and he understood that member considered that, although his situation was worth £250 a year, it was not sufficient for the services which he had rendered as one of those who gave that support that a Ministry so much valued —that support which a statesman said he wished from an independent member of Parliament, who told him he would be very happy to vote for him when he thought he was right. His reply was, “ Hang such support! I want a man who will vote for me when lam wrong." That individual referred to steadily supported Ministers, right or wrong, and he got his reward.

The Napier Telegraph of the 28 ult. says : —A meeting of the Omahu Native School Committee, presided over by 8. Locke, Esq. was held at Omahu on Tuesday last. This school has been richly endowed by the chief Renata, and is now in the enjoyment of £750 a year from land. The attendance of scholars, we are glad to hear, affords pleasing evidence of the continued interest the natives take in the education of the rising generation. Mr and Mrs Lvsnar, the teachers, are deserving of much praise for the care and attention they have bestowed on their pupils. The girls show' considerable proficiency in sewing, and the boys are tolerably advanced in the rudiments of the English language. This native school is a credit to the province, ami in course of time with its valuable endowments w ill do doubt blossom into something higher than a merely elementary school.